Sometimes, the most beautiful connections begin in places you never expected to find.
That is exactly how Playa Venao entered the picture during a trip through Panama. Over the past year, returning there several times has meant spending a beautiful amount of time in that special place. Through work as a Virtual Assistant, the freedom exists to work from different places around the world. That freedom has allowed me to discover unexpected corners, meet wonderful people, and build connections that mean so much to me.
With that kind of freedom, you can’t help but ask yourself: have you ever found a place in the world that touched your heart in a way you never expected? Somewhere you keep coming back to. Not just for the place itself, but for the people you meet, the memories you make and the feeling you carry within you long after you leave?
Playa Venao became one of those places for me. Hearing about it for the very first time, it was a place completely unknown to me. Coming across it by pure chance, it feels as though destiny was at play; it was impossible to imagine how closely connected my soul would become with this small corner of the world. A magical slice of jungle and beach that quickly started to feel like a second home, filled with people who now hold a very special place in my heart.
When the earthquake struck Panama on 9 October, I wasn’t there. Thousands of kilometres stood between that special place and me. The news arrived very quickly, bringing an immediate sense of shock and worry. Out of pure instinct, checking in on loved ones was my first thought, just to make sure they were safe.
Hearing their stories and seeing the pictures has been truly heartbreaking. There is still so much fear and uncertainty, and the aftershocks have continued. The damage to homes, accommodation and businesses is visible. But behind that damage are beautiful souls whose lives have been turned upside down.
For many of them, what they do is so much more than a job. It’s all about passion! Just like in my own life, their businesses were built out of dedication and a love for the happiness and freedom it brings. Now, that beautiful flow has been put on hold, leaving so much uncertainty about the coming days.
Life goes on is easily said, but how do you move forward when nobody knows what the coming days will bring? Thoughts constantly drift to the people there, wondering what can be done from so far away. Caring this deeply about a place and its people means you can’t just look away. Doing nothing is simply not an option.
I can’t change what has happened, and I can’t take away the uncertainty. But perhaps I can do something, however small, to help. That is why I decided to start a fundraiser for the people and local businesses in Playa Venao and the surrounding area.
More than anything, this is about reaching out, sharing this story, and bringing together people who want to support this community in whatever way they can. No matter the amount we raise, every single euro makes a world of difference. ❤️ Every bit of love, energy, and support sent towards this beautiful corner of the world means more than words can say. If you feel moved to support the fundraiser, the link can be found here: WhyDonate – Een hart voor Playa Venao. (Note: the page is in Dutch, but very easy to navigate or translate).
Playa Venao has given me so much more than a beautiful place to stay and work. It has given me deep connections, memories, and a second home to carry in my heart, even when far away. Giving back to this beautiful community is simply the natural thing to do, holding onto the wish that their warmth, freedom, and beautiful smiles will soon return to the shores.